Champ back to defend title

REIGNING champion Jess Prior is hoping to successfully defend her J C Caffyn Plate title on the weekend.

A race for drivers with indigenous heritage, the feature is part of Saturday night’s stellar Club Menangle program headed by the Inter Dominion Finals.

A dual Plate winner, Prior was triumphant last year behind the David Thorn-trained Red Reactor.

Prior’s previous success was with Cilantro, prepared by Blake Fitzpatrick in 2015.

Victory will see Prior join Royce Gregory-Jack as the only person to retain the title and the only driver to win the Plate on three occasions.

Gregory-Jack, who claimed the mantle in 2012, ’13 and ’16, is also back looking for another title.

This time around Prior, who has Indigenous bloodlines on her maternal side, will take the reins behind Smooth Overarm.

Trained by Amanda Turnbull, the gelding has drawn to settle in a prominent position from barrier two.

“I’d love to win again, but I’m not greedy and am just happy to be a part of it,” Prior said.

“The main thing in these kinds of races is to have fun, but we’re competitors and all want to win at the same time.

“Having it on Inter Dominion night is a huge buzz as well.

“No matter who wins, it is going to be a great race, and as I said, it’s wonderful to be a part of it.”